Home › University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign › History

History at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,436/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #221 of 389 History programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to History graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $625K $612K $555K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.6x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,066
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,586
122% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,436 per year, History graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn below the $32,281 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,066 against $26,436/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #221 ranking among 389 History programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,436-to-$58,586 earnings arc over five years reflects a 122% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
History teachers, postsecondary $81,500/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 389 schools offering History →

History at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($61,127) Duke University ($60,750) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($57,239) Amherst College ($56,444) Yale University ($54,700) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,828) Harvard University ($53,468) Northwestern University ($50,161)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study History at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →